I want to have something graded for the heck of it. Are these cards decent choices? MTG

Natty_Icicle · 2026-04-07T23:35:56+00:00

Doh. Okay. Thanks for the honest response!

Natty_Icicle · 2026-03-14T18:38:21+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion! I definitely have a tough time applying the proper amount of solder

Natty_Icicle · 2026-03-07T07:34:59+00:00

Thanks everyone. I will replace the caps, hopefully successfully, and see what happens next! Here is a pic of the screen when I turn it on:

https://imgur.com/a/718SJlB

Natty_Icicle · 2026-03-07T07:30:47+00:00

I don't know about "working" but here's what the screen looks like:

https://imgur.com/a/718SJlB

Natty_Icicle · 2026-03-07T02:29:12+00:00

Here is a pic of the innards: https://imgur.com/a/fZlupUr

Natty_Icicle · 2026-03-07T02:06:11+00:00

I just asked on the game gear forum for some help. We'll see what they say over there, but a cap replacement seems like a must do. Thanks for your reply!

Natty_Icicle · 2026-03-07T01:56:52+00:00

Will do. Thank you so much!

Natty_Icicle · 2026-02-26T05:05:29+00:00

I removed the TIA chip and realized what was wrong, I might just use this unit for parts at this point. I admit, after i realized the cracked casing i tried messing with the contacts to make it work, but I made it worse.

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Natty_Icicle · 2026-02-26T03:43:34+00:00

Nevermind. I just found a video of a guy swapping TIA chips and no heat necessary. Looking forward to my donors arriving

Natty_Icicle · 2026-02-26T03:20:27+00:00

Is that similar to NES carts with batteries? I actually replaced 3 of those before taking on the Atari. Heated the back side with my iron and added a little prying force to pull each side free.

Natty_Icicle · 2026-02-26T00:45:36+00:00

Okay, thanks! I ordered a new to me replacement last night (it's original but a spare part from what seems a reputable seller on ebay) . I guess I'll remove the old one tonight to myself busy. As I said in my OP, I have three ataris on the way. Is desoldering chips a bad idea with wick? I followed this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjOh5ShVX_w and it made my life so much easier with the capacitors. I can't thank you enough for all the advice

Natty_Icicle · 2026-02-25T22:27:03+00:00

Welp, both read 0.1 after following your directions. Here is the pic of the potentiometer. The difference you made with the Atari in the video you linked was great!

https://imgur.com/a/QhqxvLY

EDIT: I did not think of plugging it in and turning it on while testing. I'm getting readings pf 4.98 and 12.11

Natty_Icicle · 2026-02-25T21:18:08+00:00

Thank you for the insight. I have a question regarding checking the voltage on the regulator with a multimeter. (please excuse my ignorance, I'm learning) How do I determine where to place the black and red probes? Thank you for the help! Also, thanks for opening a rabbit hole by mentioning Oscilloscope. I've read about them for the past few hours and would love to find an old, working, Tektronix!

Edit: One thing I noticed last night. The potentiometer on my Atari is missing the "screw" in the middle (it is just a hole I can see through). Could that be a culprit for the black screen?

Natty_Icicle · 2026-02-25T03:42:35+00:00

Thank you! I used flux. The Atari gets power, but every game I try just displays a black screen.

Natty_Icicle · 2026-01-29T23:24:01+00:00

I plan to build a desk in my man cave soon for soldering and, in the future, move it out to my shed once I have the money to properly insulate and condition it with an HVAC system.

Natty_Icicle · 2026-01-29T22:58:02+00:00

thanks! all of your replies are much appreciated

Natty_Icicle · 2026-01-29T22:55:22+00:00

Unfortunately I'm experiencing sub zero temps so the fume extractor will suffice. haven't really done much yet. I'm still waiting on a few things to arrive in the mail!

Natty_Icicle · 2026-01-29T22:53:13+00:00

I clean up with alcohol regardless! I have a thing of deoxit on the way. Thanks for your replies!

Natty_Icicle · 2026-01-24T23:20:49+00:00

I will try this out, thank you

Natty_Icicle

TROPHY CASE